This is a subscriber-only article
A lack of seed stock in the main European potato-producing countries could limit the planted area in 2019, the Northwest European Potato Growers Group (NEPG) has warned.
In its February report, the group – which represents the top five potato-producing countries of Belgium, Germany, France, Netherlands and Britain – suggests that the current high prices could lead to an increase in planted area.
The five-year planted area average in these countries is 534,312ha. The NEPG notes that there are reports of a lack of seed potatoes for the four continental countries, mainly for processing varieties.
It states that in cases where continental growers do not have a signed contract, it is proving difficult to obtain seed. This is the key reason why the group suggests that the 2019 area of the NEPG area cannot increase significantly due to lack of seed.
2018 crop issues
As a result of the prolonged dry spell and high temperatures, there have been many reports of potato storage issues during winter. These include quality and conservation issues a result of secondary growth, ie glassy ends, dry and wet rot, germination, etc.
Much of this stock has now been sold before Christmas, with the remainder of potatoes in-store generally of good quality, the NEPG reports.
Finally, the group says that at present prices of €300/t appear to be the minimum charged on the continental free market. Harvest output in these countries was back 17.8% last year.
SHARING OPTIONS: